Taiwan's Finance Minister Resigns
As Chen Seeks Safety in Own Party

By

Erik Guyot Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Oct. 5, 2000 7:32 a.m. ET

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A day after Taiwan's premier quit, jolting the local stock market, the island's finance minister also stepped down in a sign that President Chen Shui-bian is strengthening his contingent of trusted allies while abandoning efforts to reach out to the opposition.

As part of a major government shakeup, Mr. Chen turned Wednesday to longtime political ally Chang Chun-hsiung to replace departing Premier Tang Fei, a former defense minister in the previous government, who resigned amid ill health and a row with...